1 Corinthians 11:24
and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus highlights that his body is given for you, emphasizing its sacrificial purpose. This isn't just a memory exercise; it's a profound call to remember the radical love poured out on our behalf. By participating, we actively engage with that gift and its implications for our lives.
Paul is instructing the Corinthian church on how to properly observe the Lord's Supper, correcting abuses that were happening during their gatherings. He's reminding them of Jesus' actions and words at the Last Supper, emphasizing that this meal is a sacred commemoration of his sacrifice, not a regular feast. This directly precedes his explanation of the symbolism of the bread and wine and his warning against approaching it unworthily.
Jesus' last meal wasn't just a meal; it was a moment packed with profound meaning. Before the bread was broken, something crucial happened.
Giving Thanks: A Foundation
Before Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, he gives thanks. This isn't a small detail! In Jewish tradition, blessings were often said over food, acknowledging God as the source of provision.
When Jesus says, 'This is my body,' he’s not just pointing to bread. He’s offering a profound, tangible connection to his ultimate sacrifice.
The Body Given For You
The phrase 'which is for you' is the heart of the command. This bread is no longer just food; it's a symbol, a representation, and a powerful reminder of Jesus' physical body broken on the cross.
Understand the original words
sōma · Greek Noun
The physical flesh and blood nature of Christ, offered as a sacrifice for the atonement of sins; the bread in the ordinance represents this sacrificial gift.
anamnēsin · Greek Noun
A memorial or calling to mind; in a biblical sense, it is an active, ongoing engagement with the past saving work of God so that its significance is present in the current life of the believer.
The Lord's Supper, a central Christian practice, was instituted by Jesus himself during a specific Passover meal, not as a general theological concept but as a commanded remembrance tied to his impending sacrifice.
c. AD 25-35
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus teaches, heals, and gathers disciples. His ministry culminates in his sacrificial death on the cross in Jerusalem.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
The Last Supper
During Passover, Jesus shares his final meal with his disciples, instituting the practice of remembrance through bread and wine.
c. AD 33
Resurrection and Ascension
Jesus is resurrected and later ascends to heaven, empowering his followers through the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 40s-50s
Spread of the Gospel
The Apostle Paul travels widely, establishing churches in major Roman cities, including Corinth.
c. AD 55
This passage records Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper, echoing the same words Paul recorded about the bread representing Jesus' body given for us.
Mark 14:22Mark also recounts Jesus' action of breaking the bread and declaring it to be His body, emphasizing the significance of this act for His followers.
Luke 22:19Luke's Gospel provides another account of the Last Supper, highlighting Jesus' command to 'do this in remembrance of me,' which is central to the meaning of communion.
John 6:51Jesus speaks of His flesh being 'given for the life of the world,' a profound statement that helps us understand the sacrificial nature of His body represented in the bread.
Jesus highlights that his body is given for you, emphasizing its sacrificial purpose. This isn't just a memory exercise; it's a profound call to remember the radical love poured out on our behalf. By participating, we actively engage with that gift and its implications for our lives.
Paul is instructing the Corinthian church on how to properly observe the Lord's Supper, correcting abuses that were happening during their gatherings. He's reminding them of Jesus' actions and words at the Last Supper, emphasizing that this meal is a sacred commemoration of his sacrifice, not a regular feast. This directly precedes his explanation of the symbolism of the bread and wine and his warning against approaching it unworthily.
Paul is instructing the Corinthian church on how to properly observe the Lord's Supper, correcting abuses that were happening during their gatherings. He's reminding them of Jesus' actions and words at the Last Supper, emphasizing that this meal is a sacred commemoration of his sacrifice, not a regular feast. This directly precedes his explanation of the symbolism of the bread and wine and his warning against approaching it unworthily.
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Jesus gives a direct command: 'Do this in remembrance of me.' What does it truly mean to remember him in this act?
More Than Just Memory
'Remembrance' here (anamnesis in the original language) isn't just recalling a historical event. It's a potent, active remembering that brings the past reality into the present experience.
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul addresses divisions and challenges within the Corinthian church, including issues surrounding their gatherings and the Lord's Supper.
"and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”" — Jesus highlights that his body is given for you, emphasizing its sacrificial purpose. This isn't just a memory exercise; it's a profound call to remember the radical love poured out on our behalf.…
